ERIC Number: EJ1321119
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2168-6653
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Using the Work Experience Survey and the Job Accommodation Network to Identify Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace: Case Studies of African American Women with Multiple Sclerosis
Rumrill, Stuart; Bishop, Malachy; Rumrill, Phillip; Hendricks, Deborah
Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education, v35 n3 p222-237 2021
Purpose: Four African American women with multiple sclerosis (MS) participated in an evaluation of barriers to their continued employment. Methods: A trained interviewer completed the Work Experience Survey (WES) in teleconsultation sessions with each participant to identify their: (a) barriers to worksite access, (b) difficulties performing essential functions of their positions, (c) concerns regarding continued mastery of their careers, and (d) extent of job satisfaction. Results: Resulting largely from the physiological, sensory, and cognitive sequelae of their disease, participants reported a wide range of difficulties in performing essential functions of their jobs (15-45) that have the potential to significantly affect their productivity. Career mastery problems reflected issues associated with MS such as "believing that others think I do a good job" and "having the resources (e.g., knowledge, tools, supplies, and equipment) needed to do the job." Other career mastery concerns reflected idiosyncratic aspects of a specific job setting such as "being able to speak with my supervisor about promotion." Considering these barriers and relationships with employers, the majority of participants reported low levels of job satisfaction. Conclusion: The interviewer concluded the WES interview by recommending a job accommodation plan, which included suggestions from Job Accommodation Network (JAN) consultants. The interviewer also offered guidelines for the employee to follow in requesting job modifications and assistive technology.
Descriptors: Measures (Individuals), Work Experience, Surveys, African Americans, Females, Neurological Impairments, Barriers, Employment, Disabilities, Job Satisfaction, Accessibility (for Disabled), Job Performance, Case Studies
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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